In today's Wall Street Journal - Real Estate Journal site June Fletcher talks about disclosure and how the home inspector should be calling out code violations. Home inspectors do not inspect for code violations. Building Codes are ever changing, no two city codes are the same and variances are granted on a regular basis. Home inspectors cannot be expected to know if the particular remodel meets code or not and most disclaim it in our agreements.

However on a more general basis we will recognize or call out that a remodel that was unprofessionally done and ask if it was permitted. In most cases it they are not the sellers will need to get an "after the fact" permit. Most homeowners do not realize that by waiting to get the permit there may be extra costs to bring the affected area up to the current code. One seller was using a downstairs room as a bedroom and when the building inspector saw how the room was being used, made them install a conforming window and window well. The cost of cutting the window into foundation was substantial as well as adding the window well. When the room was originally completed the codes was less stringent.

I have had more than one Realtor raise an eyebrow when I inform my buyer to inquire about permits as this in many cases complicates the deal.  My feeling is that less surprises and more disclosure are a good thing. Its not my clients (or mine) that the seller didn't get permits. 

Rick Bunzel 
Pacific Crest Inspections
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